The Merry-Go-Round

Steam rises
from the broken promise
of an afternoon
summer shower.
Colts and mares
chase each other
trapped in a
ritual dance
to the
da-da-do,
do-do-da
of a familiar
yet elusive tune.

Dragons, sea horses,
and an ostrich
join the chase.
Gnashing teeth, unsheathing talons
as the music plays
and the children whirl.
The hick humidity
that clogs the air
is forgotten
among the joyous laughter
of youth
riding the backs
of parading beasts.